Transition Program – Our Selection Process

Transition Program – Our Selection Process

The Transition Program is a selective and accepts up to 20 students each year. Appropriate
candidates include those individuals interested in learning business skills, but who
would be unable to meet the academic demands of an associate degree program even with
extensive support services. Applicants must demonstrate emotional stability and maturity
necessary to participate effectively in a program located on a community college campus,
and to perform with minimal supervisor at internship placement in a competitive business
setting. Applicants must demonstrate attributes such as good judgment, attendance
and punctuality and an ability to learn. We seek students who take initiative and
are motivated to succeed. Ideally, we would like potential candidates to have prior
volunteer or work experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

Appropriate candidates will have:

A high school diploma, Certificates of Completion, GED

A history of receiving special education services in school

Cognitive ability in the low-average range

Reading, math, and written language skills at the fifth to eighth grade level. Isolated
skill deficiencies may be acceptable, depending on overall ability.

And demonstrate evidence of:

An interest in training for entry level jobs in business

The ability to maintain appropriate professional behavior and perform with minimal
supervision at an internship in a competitive business setting

The ability to participate (with or without accommodations) in the physical activities
essential to the vocational setting

The ability to make the sustained commitment required of a full-time program located
on a college campus

The ability to function independently on a college campus

Application Process:

Transition is selective and accepts up to 20 students each year.

Admission is for the Fall semester only, and students must participate in all 4 semesters
(2 years).

Students receive non-transferable completion units, not credits.

Admissions are rolling. Applicants are encouraged to apply by March 1st.

Prospective applicants must attend an Information Session before applying.

High School Transcript and Copy of the Most recent Individualized Educational Plan
(IEP)

Three Letters of Recommendation on forms provided by the program, one of which must
be completed by a Special Needs or Resource Room teacher; two other recommendations
on specified forms can be from Guidance Counselor, teachers, employers, etc.

I.Q. Results – (preferred test: WAIS-R)

Individualized Diagnostic Reading and Math Test Results – (Preferred tests: Woodcock-Johnson
or WIAT with all subtest scores and grade equivalents in the written report).

A Diagnostic Interview with behavioral observations by a certified Psychologist or
Projective Psychological Tests.

Reports must be no more than 3 years old.

It is essential to submit ALL of the specified information. Applicants are encouraged
to submit information as it becomes available or complete. A file will be maintained
and updates will be provided to the applicant of status of materials received. When
the file is complete, the Admissions Committee will review it and the applicant will
be informed as to whether s/he meets the criteria for a personal interview.

A decision to accept or not accept an applicant is made by the Transition Program
Admissions Committee based on a review of all application materials and the personal
interview. Reasons that an applicant may not be determined to be a good match for
the program are:

The applicants' academic skills are above the program level – traditional college
courses with support and/or reduced course load may be recommended.

The applicant’s academic skills are significantly below the level for the program.
The applicant would find the work too challenging despite a good attitude and their
best effort.

The applicant presents as needing a more supportive or structured program model. Applicants
must be able to demonstrate the ability to be successful at both the internship and
on a college campus without the assistance of a job coach or classroom aide.

The applicant indicates, during the interview process, that he/she are not interested
or sufficiently motivated to be successful in the program.